Ford hosted its first ever SYNC® AppLink™ Developer Challenge in Tel Aviv to challenge and educate developers and entrepreneurs to create new applications and ideas that enhance the in-car user experience

Wake Me App, created by a duo of programmers, earned the grand prize out of nearly 50 submissions from both individuals and teams

TEL AVIV, October 12, 2015 – Ford selected “Wake Me App,” an app that monitors drivers for signs of drowsiness, as the winner of the Ford SYNC® AppLink™ Developer Challenge in Tel Aviv. The 24-hour hackathon, October 11-12, included more than 150 app developers, and was co-sponsored by WeiserMazars LLP. The winning app was chosen by a panel of judges representing Ford’s technology development team, venture capital and even auto racing.

“Tel Aviv has an amazing base of tech developers, and the talent and creativity we saw from the participating teams has been remarkable,” said Scott Lyons, business and partner development, Connected Vehicle and Services, Ford of Europe. “Wake Me App stood out because of its innovative use of the new SYNC AppLink developer tools that leverage vehicle information to create dynamic apps in the car.”

Wake Me App monitors drivers for signs of drowsiness in specific stages, and issues escalating alerts accordingly. Developers Pavel Kaminsky and Shay Mishali leveraged the latest set of AppLink application programming interfaces and the new capabilities of SYNC 3 to create the app.

At signs of driver drowsiness, the App performs an escalating-level of alerts to make the driver aware of his/her condition, including audible chimes, changing the radio volume, and even automated SMS messages and phone calls to the driver’s contact list.

Other winning apps included Red Alert (second place), an app which alerts drivers in Israel to a potential national security threat, and Karpoolz (third place), a multi-family carpooling app for parents to manage their kids’ afterschool and social activities. One app received an honorable mention, Green Light, which gives a countdown to upcoming traffic signals.

Ford challenged developers to create original apps leveraging the features of all-new AppLink and SYNC 3, including the system’s capacitive touch screen, improved voice recognition and image display capabilities to enhance the in-car experience for customers.

As grand prize winner, Kaminski and Mishali received from Ford a brand-new 2016 Ford Fiesta, NIS 75,000, $7,500 USD in services from WeiserMazers LLP, and the winning app may one day be offered to Ford drivers whose vehicles are equipped with SYNC 3.

Second place was awarded NIS 44,000 from Ford and $5,000 USD in services from WeiserMazers LLP. Third place received NIS 22,000 from Ford and $2,500 USD in services from WeiserMazers. Honorable Mention received $3,500 USD in services from WeiserMazers.

Ford will also host its first-ever AppLink Developer Challenge in Europe during Nov. 2-3 in Dublin, Ireland. More information about Ford’s developer program is available at developer.ford.com.

About WeiserMazars LLP

WeiserMazars LLP provides insight and specialized experience in accounting, tax and advisory services. Since 1921 the company’s skilled professionals have leveraged technical expertise and industry familiarity to create customized solutions to overcome client challenges. As the independent U.S. member firm of Mazars Group, WeiserMazars LLP has a global reach of 15,000 professionals in more than 70 countries. Locally and internationally, WeiserMazars LLP builds lasting relationships with clients by addressing their particular needs, creating value and optimizing their organizational performance. www.weisermazars.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 199,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.